INTRODUCTION  
This authentic arastra is located in a courtyard behind the famous H. J. Koehler Bakery Building (the last loaf of bread was baked in 1917) in this original condition city in historic Amador County.

There are many designs for this type of ore crushing device; this one is usually described as a Mexican Rastra. The rastra, or arastra, is one of the first effective methods for crushing ore and was used during the early Gold Rush days. Method of Operation Quartz bearing rock or tailings are placed into the basin of the Arastra. Then, the drag stones grind the ore to a very fine consistency. Next, quicksilver (mercury) is added and due to unique chemical properties, the gold amalgamates with the mercury. Adding water and quickly bailing the water exposes the amalgam. Finally, the crevices at the bottom of the arastra are carefully panned out with the residue refined to result in fairly pure gold.

HISTORY OF THIS ARASTRA 
The arastra shown in the photographs was originally located in a secluded site east of the Omo Ranch. In the 1990s Gary Sherrill, Bruce Sherrill, Bryan Lynch and Harold Dart numbered all the parts of the arastra, dismantled it, and reconstructed it as close to its original form on the current site. This effort helped preserve an original important piece of gold mining history, making it available to the general public to appreciate.

LOCATION
Look for the tall flag pole in the center of town. Go through the parking lot to the Railroad Crossing Sign. Cross the bridge over French Creek to the Astrasta. 

Hours Open: Throughout the year.

Visitor Fees: No fee charged.

Seasons Open: Every season.